How much Ram can my HP handle with Intel pentium Dual core CPU T3400 @2.16 Ghz. Presently 2Gb RAM

[genadijsd]

Hi. How much Ram can my old HP pavilion handle with Intel pentium Dual core CPU T3400 @2.16 Ghz. Presently 2Gb RAM, running Win 7 (32-bit)? Thank you.

[Huffer]

Need the model number of the laptop not just the processor. I do know Windows 7 32 bit can only handle about 3.5 gigs regardless of the hardware it is installed on. 

[genadijsd]

Thanks Huffer. The model number is HP G50-215CA.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

From the Manual:

2 customer-accessible/upgradable memory module slots

Supports dual-channel memory

Supports up to 4 GB of system RAM

Supports PC2-6400, 800-MHz, DDR2 and PC2-5300, 667-MHz, DDR2

So up to 4 gigs of DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 memory

http://www.amazon.com/Komputerbay-PC2-6400-Notebook-Lifetime-Warranty/dp/B0032CP24W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UT...

If you stay with 32 bit Windows your system properties will show something between 3 and 3.5 gigs of memory available. The processor is capable of a 64 bit OS. 

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[genadijsd]

Great! Thank you. Another question would be: if I go with 64-bit windows, can I instal more than 4Gb RAM?

[Huffer]

No that is a hardware limitation but it would let you use all 4 gigs. You can't do it by upgrade it would have to be a clean install. The laptop is likely old enough that a clean OS install coupled with doubling the memory would be like a new laptop but saving and then reinstalling your programs and data would be a pain. You might consider just buying one 2 gig module and upgrading to 3 gigs. But if you install 2 x 2 = 4 gigs it will run in dual channel even though the operating system can't use all 4 gigs and the performance would get a small bump up as a result of that, even if you stay at 32 bit Windows 7. 

[genadijsd]

Thank you very much, Huffer. I appreciate your responses.